show up. Jesus did

No matter where you are your feelings and memories of Christmas are almost surreal.  The memories flood your mind as the music begins and as the days draw close, but one of the things that rarely hits us is the pain that is very near to those who have experienced lose in the past year.  This is the first Christmas without that special person.

Last Christmas was the first without my mom’s mom, grandma Bobbie.  My wife and kids spent that Christmas in Oklahoma with my family.  It was a great time, and we will miss being with them this year.  But it was different as grandma Bobbie was always there.  She moved into our home when I was young.  This year would be different.

I think about the young father of three children whose wife died this month.  They haven’t been married many years, but he is alone this Christmas.  My mind goes to some close friends.  Her mom died this fall, and his mom died a few weeks ago.  This will be a though Christmas.  There are many, many more people in similar places, and my heart goes out to each person in pain. 

Then there are those people in rehab centers, in nursing homes or hospitals, those in the military or missionaries far from home.  Each is feeling alone this Christmas season, and each one is important to God and to their families.  My heart goes out to those who are lonely.

Is Christmas any different for them?  No it is not.  Has Christmas changed?  No it has not.  Yet for each person and each situation Christmas seems to have changed.  It hasn’t.  But their reality us skewed. 

Now it is our turn.  We must turn to these precious people and let them know that we have not forgotten.  No, we cannot take the place of their loved ones and family.  But we can make a difference for showing that we care.

How do you show people that you care?

John 1:14  NLT

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.

Show up.  We make a difference by showing up.  We show up in person, on the phone, in a card and a number of ways.  We don’t show up by staying away and keeping silent.

Jesus showed up.  He came to earth for a purpose given to Him by the Father to be with the people and to bring them salvation.  Salvation brings freedom and forgiveness.  He shows up to make a difference, and Jesus empowers us to do the same. 

We make a difference by showing up and being who God made us to be.  Celebrate Christmas by being the joy, peace, hope and love that Jesus gave us and continues to give others through His truth and our sharing.

Show up.  Be who God made you to be.

Isaiah 9:6  NLT

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

NOTE:

For those I mentioned above, please pray: pray for Trey Craddock and his three children and their family; pray for Sharon and Sonny Joyce and their family; pray for those who are serving in the military, for those alone this Christmas.